Dibrugarh: The Longding Forest Department of Arunachal Pradesh has issued a public advisory following a reported sighting of a large carnivore, suspected to be a tiger, along the LB Road between Longding Town and Longsom village on August 24.
In the advisory dated August 25, the Range Forest Officer, Longding Forest Range, stated that a verbal report regarding the sighting was received at around 7:15 pm, following which forest personnel proceeded to the reported location for field verification.
“During the preliminary examination, the signs observed were found to be indicative of a large cat family,” the department stated. However, it added that “owing to the dry ground conditions and absence of sufficiently clear and conclusive evidence, the identity of the animal could not be confirmed as a tiger at this stage.”
The department advised the general public, particularly residents of villages and settlements adjoining forest areas, to exercise “utmost caution and vigilance.”
The advisory stated that people should avoid entering forest areas and dense vegetation unnecessarily, particularly during the early morning, evening and night hours.
Residents near forest fringes were also advised to exercise caution while moving outside their residences and avoid travelling alone in isolated areas. Children, elderly persons and livestock should not be allowed to venture unattended near forest areas, it said.
The department further strictly advised the public not to “approach, chase, provoke, surround or attempt photography/video” of any wild animal. In case of an encounter with a large carnivore, people have been asked to maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden movements and immediately move towards a safe location without attempting to confront the animal.
The advisory also urged the public not to spread unverified information, rumours or misleading photographs/videos through social media or other platforms, stating that such circulation “may create unnecessary panic.”
The department requested people to immediately report any fresh sighting, pugmark, livestock predation, scratch marks or other suspected signs of a large carnivore to the nearest Forest Department official or Longding Forest Range Office.
“Further advisory/information shall be issued by the Department as and when the identity and movement of the animal are established through reliable field evidence,” the order stated.